What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and refines the appearance of the patient's nose. This is usually done to correct flaws such as bumps on the bridge of the nose, but it can also be performed to make broad noses narrower or long noses shorter. If you're thinking of having your nose reshaped, read on for an overview of the procedure, the risks, and the possible results.

Candidates for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty patients should be in their mid teens or older. This is because the nasal bones and tissues need to be mature before the procedure is performed. If the nose has not yet settled into its final shape, any changes made during surgery could be undone.

Before Rhinoplasty

Before surgery, the doctor will meet with you to talk about your goals and expectations. Rhinoplasty can dramatically alter your appearance, but it seldom makes you look like someone else entirely. The doctor will ask about your medical history and any reactions you've had to anesthesia in the past. If you have heart disease or compromised healing ability, be sure to tell the doctor. Next, the doctor will photograph you from different angles. These pictures might be used to render a three dimensional model of your face. Then you and the doctor can see what different nose shapes would look like on your face. Some patients require additional surgery, such as chin implants, to achieve a pleasing side profile.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, your face will be cleaned and disinfected. General anesthesia will be administered, leaving you unconscious for the duration of the rhinoplasty procedure. The doctor will then make small incisions inside the nose or in a discreet fold of skin on the outside. Using these incisions as access points, the doctor will then reshape the bones and cartilage of the nose in accordance to your desires. The surgery typically takes one to two hours, but that can vary depending on the specifics of your procedure.

After Rhinoplasty

After rhinoplasty, your nose will be bandaged and stuffed with packing to stabilize it and prevent bleeding. You might experience swelling and bruising, sometimes in the form of black eyes. This is temporary, though it can take up to a year for all of the swelling to go away. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Most major swelling will go down in a few weeks, after which you'll see definite improvement in the shape of your nose. Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, but it is also a serious surgery that carries with it the risk of excess bleeding, infection, and scarring. Talk to your cosmetic surgeon if you have concerns about the procedure.